CEDAR CITY, Utah- June 9 – Southern Utah University women’s volleyball released its schedule this week, with SUU’s preseason approaching just around the corner. Under their returning head coach, Debby Baker, SUU women’s volleyball will kick off the season in late August at the Kristen Dickmann Invitational in Maryland. Along with the non-conference Maryland tournament, the T-Birds will then host the SUU Tournament in early September, followed by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tournament in the middle of September.

“We did really well in spring season. We took our work ethic to a whole new level and everything clicked. We split with UNLV and Montana State, some of the freshman got great experience, the team chemistry was there, the communication was clear and the team got along really well,” Coach Baker stated. “Last season we simply had too many injuries. At this point last year we were missing two setters, whereas right now, everyone is healthy.”

There are seven returning veterans to build the momentum and help develop the incoming players. Coach Baker is excited about her incoming players and feels very confident about this season.

“We’re going to make a few changes this year as we will run a 6-2 with two setters,” Baker explained. “With our healthy setters and our two new outside hitters, we will offer much more depth in all positions than we have had in the past.”

Coach Baker is excited about what this season holds in store and is very anxious for all the home games, particularly Weber State on Thursday, Oct. 30 and Idaho State on Saturday, Nov. 1.

“We are really looking forward to playing at home. It’s going to be a lot of fun to play in the Centrum. We have great attendance and an awesome crowd,” Baker commented.

The Thunderbirds schedule will include a matchup against Mountain West Conference opponent UNLV and Big West Conference opponent UC Riverside. The season begins on Friday, Aug. 29 when SUU travels to Annapolis, Md. to take on The Citadel. The first home Thunderbird match will be against Savannah State on Friday, Sept. 5.